Battery problems with 94 Buick Regal???

[kelshawmic]

I've had my battery in my car for about 3 years now. But now I've noticed that when I drive during the day the battery needle stays about between
11-13.

But when it is night time, I have my lights on, it automatically drops to between 11-12. And when I use the turn signal, it goes down more to about
9-10. When try to use the turn signals, the gauge is moving up and down between 9-10 too.

But when the lights are off and the windows are rolled up- the gauge goes back to 13.

Something I did notice tonight though, was when I had my fog lights on and I pressed my windows up, the the fog lights dimmed and the gauge went down a bit.

What is going on here?? Its seems fine in the day time, but when I start to use the "juice"...it seems the battery is getting its life sucked up.

[BNaylor]

Check out the battery and charging system (alternator). Get it tested. Also, make sure the battery cables are clean and tight to include the connection at the alternator.

[rrichard7]

My 94 Custom does this as well. I have replaced the battery and alternator. Twice in the last 6 months, the voltmeter went down to zero and the car stalled while sitting at a traffic light. I cleaned, checked and tightened the battery cables and all ground wires that I could find under the hood (wires bolted to the body). It still wags with the turn signals on but it hasn't stalled.

Good Luck and please post the cure if you find it.

Ray

[kelshawmic]

So I replaced the alternator yesterday and had the battery charged up for about 10 minutes. It seemed fine with everything on yesterday. Then when I went to use it today, I tured the lights on, turn signal everything and the gauge went down again to about 9-10.

Could it be the battery that just isn't taking the full charge from the alternator? The battery is 3 years old now. Help!

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by kelshawmic

So I replaced the alternator yesterday and had the battery charged up for about 10 minutes. It seemed fine with everything on yesterday. Then when I went to use it today, I tured the lights on, turn signal everything and the gauge went down again to about 9-10.

Could it be the battery that just isn't taking the full charge from the alternator? The battery is 3 years old now. Help!

It could very well be the battery considering it is three years old. Have you tried getting the battery tested? Sounds like a possible bad cell. Most national auto parts stores will test it for free.

[kelshawmic]

I went back to Sears today to see if they could find the problem hopefully in the battery. Unfortunately, everything came back positive. These were the results:

CCA=625
CRANKING VOLTS=11.06

LOAD VOLTS=13.97
NO LOAD VOLTS=14.04

CHARGING SYSTEM =GOOD

So could there be something wrong with the gauge?

[Vandy 1]

Despite Sears evaluation of your car
your battery is likely defective,with no load on the battery it should be around 12.6 volts. I suspect the alternator alone is supplying all your power when you're using the lights,radio,blinkers,wipers,ect..
Your current 625 CCA battery is too small for your car.
You need a higher CCA & CA # battery such as 825 CA to be effective.
Do not skimp on a cheap battery, by a good brand like: Interstate, Exide,
or AC Delco Freedom or Sears Die Hard. If you live in a climate where it gets
cold in the winter you will be glad you did.

[kelshawmic]

Well I went back to Sears and they put in a new battery a Die Hard this time. The last battery I had was called a Weatherhandler. So after today, I put everything on, lights, blinkers, everything, and the gauge itself actually went down to 12. But with everything off, it goes up to 13-13.5. So I guess its better now. Any other suggestions? Maybe the gauges are bad??

[Vandy 1]

Originally Posted by kelshawmic

Well I went back to Sears and they put in a new battery a Die Hard this time. The last battery I had was called a Weatherhandler. So after today, I put everything on, lights, blinkers, everything, and the gauge itself actually went down to 12. But with everything off, it goes up to 13-13.5. So I guess its better now. Any other suggestions? Maybe the gauges are bad??

It's better but your gauge should read closer to 13.5-14 with everything off.
Maybe the alternators not up to snuff ?
Test it with a voltmeter and see what it is putting out.
Clean all your connections up too and see if that makes a difference.

[raybuick]

I've had similar problem with charging volts fluctuating,sometimes normal-then lower. One thing you can check is the auxillary positive battery post by the fusebox when the car has been running for a bit and charging volts appear lower. Take the red cover off and feel if is warm or hot. If it is,then a good cleaning is required by unscrewing that nut and wire brushing all wires under there. Disconnect ground first and don't overtighten when replacing the aux. pos. post. nut as it seems zinc threaded. I have done this a few times and the volts output went back to normal. Hopefully I am hitting the nail right on the head! good luck Rayday

[jzaatx]

The last one worked for me and saved me a bunch of money. thank you